Jets captain Novack leads by example

Adam Novack was one of just a handful of skaters to return to the Metro Jets from last season and he’s brought back improved leadership qualities that have made the team brass name him captain this year.

Novack, a 19-year-old native of Rochester Hills, posted seven goals and 19 points a year ago, but seems primed to break those totals this season.

More than points, though, is why Novack has the ‘C’ on his left shoulder this year.

“Adam is your typical lead-by-example captain,” Jets GM Butch Wolfe said. “But if something needs to be said on the bench or in the locker room, you can bet he’ll speak up. He is very mature and knows how to conduct himself in a professional manner on and off the ice.

“‘Novy’ is a great ambassador for not only our hockey club, but for the entire Central States Hockey League.”

Alternate captains under Novack are third-year defenseman Brett Grech (Hartland) and 20-year-old forward Jonathan Asher.

Grech has been steady all season, prompting Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop to say he’s been playing “out of his mind,” while Asher signed with the Jets over the summer, had a tryout with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and then rejoined the Jets for their season opener on Sept. 6 against Toledo. His plane landed in Windsor at 5:30 that afternoon and he drove to Waterford, missed warm-ups, but dressed in time to play in the game.